Reconfigurable hanging device with integral retention member

摘要

A reconfigurable apparatus for hanging support of articles is provided. The reconfigurable apparatus provides a hanging member that, responsive to user actuation, transitions between a stowed position and an operative position to thereby reconfigure the hanging apparatus between operative and stowed configurations. In a stowed configuration, the hanging member may be substantially flush with a frame or faceplate of the apparatus. Such reconfigurable hanging apparatus may be substantially flush-mounted with a wall to avoid injury thereon, to maintain a decor, and to provide flexibility in placement of wall-abutting furnishings. The hanging member is retained until user actuation sufficient to overcome a retention member therein.

主权项

1. A reconfigurable hanging apparatus mounted on a planar mounting surface, comprising:
a housing having a frame portion and first and second recessed portions formed therein, said housing including a retention member disposed at said first recessed portion, said second recessed portion defining an inclined support surface; and, a hanging member coupled to said housing for angular displacement between stowed and operative positions relative to said housing, said hanging member including first and second body portions and at least one protuberant portion formed on at least one of said first and second body portions, said second body portion defining an inclined countersupport surface; wherein said inclined countersupport surface bears against said inclined support surface when said hanging member is in said operative position, and said protuberant portion deflectively engages said retention member of said housing when said hanging member is displaced to pass between said operative and stowed positions; wherein a terminal end of said retention member is spaced apart from said second recessed portion of said housing to define a gap therebetween, said terminal end having a tapered profile for substantially conformed engagement of said protuberant portion when said hanging member is disposed in said stowed position.